The state has issued 2,800 learner’s permits since a new law allowing undocumented immigrants to apply for driver’s licenses took effect on July 1, Gov. Maura Healey announced Tuesday, more than doubling the number issued in the same period last year.
“I think we’ve gotten off to a strong start, wouldn’t you say?” Healey said at the RMV’s Haymarket location in Boston. “It’s been really, I think, great out of the gate.”
The law, which survived then-Governor Charlie Baker’s veto and an attempt to overturn it on the November 2023 ballot, allows immigrants who are in the U.S. without legal status to apply for a five-year Massachusetts driver’s license using at least two documents proving their identity and date of birth. It went into effect July 1.
The 2,800 issued permits are just the start, with 42,000 requests for learner’s permits appointments received just days after the start of the month, according to the RMV.
In preparation for the new law, RMV locations have increased staffing, translation services and hours. All locations are now open Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and seven locations are now open on Saturday for license appointments as well.
Registrar of Motor Vehicles Colleen Ogilvie said people have not yet taken advantage of the extended hours “as much as we hoped.”
The department does anticipate an uptick in demand as people return from the Fourth of July holiday week, Ogilvie said.
In the wake of recent law passed in Florida invalidating use of out-of-state driver’s licenses issued to undocumented immigrants, Healey said she’s confident in the licenses’ validity.
“These are Massachusetts driver’s licenses, and they should be honored by other states,” Healey said.
Ogilvie said the RMV could not say how many of the licenses went to newly eligible immigrants because “the law prohibits us from looking at data that way.”
For those applying, the department has services available in 15 languages, Ogilvie said, and applicants can request an interpreter when they make their appointment.
The governor also reminded people to watch out for scams, which have attempted to charge people for appointments or to provide necessary documents.
“You should only book your appointment and pay your fees through the RMV,” Healey said, encouraging people to reach out to the Attorney General’s office if “something doesn’t feel right.”
RMV officials have previously stated they expect 280,000 people will apply for a driver’s license within the first four years of the law with the highest demand in the first six months.
“We know this is just the beginning,” Healey said. “We’re working hard to get more eligible people a driver’s license, which we know is going to help make our roads and our community safer.”